Feast bowls
These carved wooden feast bowls bear marks of ownership in the incised and painted clan totems and designs. The Kekeleo (native wildfowl) head denotes the Nakaripa clan, whereas the Manu (eagle) would symbolise the Naboin. Only Tsunono (chiefs) and Tehekao (queens) would be served food during ceremonies from such bowls.
The Naboin and Nakas clans choose predominantly red paint for artistic design work, whereas the Nakaripa and Natasi use white to decorate their bodies and clan possessions.
Marilyn Taleo Havini
Food bowl, Buka Island, acquired by the Australian Museum in 1885 from R Parkinson and Captain Farrell. Length 126cm, height 23cm, width 14cm. Photo: C Bento.
Food Bowl, Buka Island, acquired by the Australian Museum in 1885 from R Parkinson and Captain Farrell. Length 126cm, height 18cm, width 12.5cm. Photo: C Bento.
Copyright © Australian Museum, 2003
